The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) enacted a coordinated oil embargo against countries perceived as aiding Israel during the Yom Kippur War, which began on October 6, 1973. This war saw a surprise attack by a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria against Israel on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. The conflict rapidly escalated, drawing in superpowers and shifting the balance of power in the region. In retaliation for Western support of Israel, particularly from the United States, OPEC announced on October 17 its decision to withhold oil shipments to nations that had assisted Israel. The embargo resulted in immediate and severe impacts on global oil supply, leading to skyrocketing prices. Countries such as the U.S., which relied heavily on imported oil, faced energy crises marked by fuel shortages, long lines at gas stations, and widespread inflation. This upheaval forced Western nations to reconsider their energy policies, prompting a push for energy conservation and the development of alternative energy sources. The embargo also marked a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape, as oil-producing nations gained newfound leverage over oil-importing countries, thus reshaping international relations going forward.